Pelvic Pain
Pudendal Neuralgia and Complex Pelvic Pain: An Interview with Tracy Sher
Complex pelvic pain… that’s often a tough one to treat. Especially for those of us who work in clinics as the only pelvic PT! I remember feeling like I just needed another set of eyeballs and more ideas as well as some nudging into perspective shifts to get a better idea of what was going…
Read MoreKetamine Infusion for Pelvic Pain. What is it?
The topic of Ketamine infusions can elicit some strong concerns. Some clinicians are familiar with a type of infusion known as “Ketamine comas,” in which people are placed in a medical coma and stay in an ICU for treatment. This is often viewed as quite extreme, and risky; and leaves many wondering the efficacy of such a treatment when the patient is not actively participating in recovery from a brain/pain connection. For clarification, the coma is not the only protocol available. Ketamine infusions can involve: 1. Outpatient “awake” protocol 2. Low-dose inpatient protocol 3. Ketamine coma. (In addition, there are now physicians who prescribe compounded ointments with Ketamine as one of the medications. This is not the same as an infusion. There’s not enough data at this time about efficacy and safety of this approach with topicals.) Our guest blogger, Dr. Allison Wells, MD, is sharing information about the outpatient procedure. ~ Tracy Sher of Pelvic Guru
Read MoreExplore Your Vulva! Yes, Take A Look! A professional highlight of Lori Forner
Attention! Go ahead and explore your vulvas! (In a private setting, of course!) We don’t hear that very often do we? Check out this conversation with a brilliant and wonderful pelvic PT colleague in Australia, Lori Forner, B.ScH, MPhty(St), APAM. This is so important. Here are just a few reasons why: 1. RECOGNIZING CHANGES: It’s important…
Read MoreDoes Sleep Really Matter for Chronic Pelvic Pain?
Does sleep really matter for chronic pelvic pain? Guest post by Jessica Reale, PT, DPT, WCS Did you know that most people will spend about 22 years of their lives sleeping? Sleep is one of the most basic human needs and is at the very base of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs right next to…
Read MoreThe 5 Things We Wish You Knew About Pudendal Neuralgia
The 5 Things We Wish PTs, MDs, and Patients Knew About Pudendal Neuralgia and Pudendal Nerve Entrapment Tracy Sher, MPT, CSCS and Loretta J. Robertson, PT, MS Why is the diagnosis of Pudendal Neuralgia confused with Pudendal Nerve Entrapment? Why are there so many misdiagnoses with pudendal symptoms? Its complex. We are both pelvic physical…
Read MoreWhat IS Pelvic Physical Therapy and Why Doesn’t EVERYONE Know About It?
True story – During graduate school (Northwestern shout out) for physical therapy over 15 years ago, I distinctly remember turning to a friend in class and stating emphatically, “Mark my words, I will NEVER EVER do what the therapist is doing in that video. NEVER. Why are we even seeing this in class?”. You may wonder…
Read MoreBladder Pain and Bowel Issues – Oy! IPPS Conference Highlights
Bladder Pain and Bowel Issues – Oy! Highlights on these topics from the International Pelvic Pain Society Conference in Orlando, FL, October 17-20, 2013. The 2013 International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) Conference was highly anticipated and with great reason! We were impressed by the excellent clinical information for first-time and return attendees to the conference.…
Read MorePelvic Pain Research: What’s Happening and Who’s Recruiting?
Pelvic pain research “nerd alert”. You have been warned! Here’s a sampling of some of the great research projects and trials (primarily pelvic pain with some others sprinkled in) listed as CURRENTLY recruiting subjects in the United States and Canada. Who else hopes the funding dollars are there to support these (crossing fingers)!? Let’s face it: pelvic…
Read MoreVaginal Dilator Guide for Patients. Dilators and the Brain? Pain, Fear, and Anxiety
There are different reasons to use vaginal dilators. This particular post focuses on providing dilator information for women facing fear, anxiety, and/or pain with regard to vaginal touch, finger insertion, gynecology exams, use of tampons, and intercourse. My quest to find valuable, comprehensive resources for a guide for dilator use fell short. This is particularly…
Read More10 Common Misconceptions About Pelvic Physical Therapy
Have you ever heard of pelvic physical therapy before? Many have not, but this specialty can be a crucial part of someone’s complete medical care – for women, men, and even children. As one my patients recently said, “I had no idea this sort of thing exists, but I’m sure glad I found it because…
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